Maryland Signs Transfer Robert Carter, Jr.

Maryland Athletics

6-6-2014

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Maryland men’s basketball head coach Mark Turgeon has announced Friday the signing of transfer power forward Robert Carter, Jr.

A Thomasville, Ga., native, Carter, Jr., (6-8, 247) averaged 10.6 points and 7.4 rebounds in two seasons (54 games, 49 starts) at Georgia Tech. Carter, Jr., will be eligible for the 2015-16 season as a redshirt junior and will enroll at the University of Maryland this summer.

“We’re excited to welcome Robert to the University of Maryland men’s basketball program,” Turgeon said. “We had a great visit with Robert and his parents, Robert Sr., and Linda, and welcome them to our family. Robert is a tremendous young man and he will be an outstanding teammate and leader. He is a complete player with a strong offensive skillset that complements his desire to rebound and defend. Our program is thrilled to have him as we transition into the Big Ten.”

Carter, Jr., took his game to another level as a sophomore in 2013-14, averaging 11.4 points and 8.4 rebounds despite missing 10 games to a torn meniscus midway through the season. He would have ranked third in the ACC in rebounding if he had played the minimum number of games to qualify statistically.

“I decided to come to Maryland because of the relationship I developed with Coach Turgeon,” Carter, Jr., said. “I have watched and respected how he has developed players throughout his coaching career. He has been a very successful head coach and I like his style of play. I am excited about the freshman class coming in and the current players we have on our team. We have a great opportunity to win and be successful. I am looking forward to competing in the Big Ten and being a part of an outstanding program.”

A versatile player with a complete skillset, Carter, Jr., has twice been invited to participate in training camp for USA Basketball. He was invited to the Under-19 team to prepare for the FIBA Americas U19 Championships in the summer of 2013 and also participated in the USA Under-18 team trials in the summer of 2012.

As a freshman at Georgia Tech, he started all 31 games and averaged 9.9 points and 6.7 rebounds. He was named to the Coaches ACC All-Freshman team following the season.

Carter, Jr., scored double-digits 29 times during his career with the Yellow Jackets, and also totaled 12 double-digit rebounding games. He had started 44 consecutive games prior to his injury.

Ranked 21st among the nation’s seniors and seventh among power forwards in the class of 2012 according to ESPN, Carter, Jr., earned first team all-state honors in class AAAAA as a senior at Shiloh High School in Snellville, Ga.